Let's talk row cover for Fall

Let's talk row cover for Fall

So I'm going to try row cover this Fall because last year I had had enough of those darn flea beetles eating everything.

Here in Central Texas, I feel like once it gets consistently cool and starts to light freeze, they go away. So I need something to help get the seedlings going until then.

My other obstacle is here in the Fall, it could very well be 90 degrees one day, and then light freeze the next. So if I have a row cover set in place, won't they just burn up in there? And then if I open it for ventilation, I'm defeating the purpose and inviting the beetles in.

Re: Let's talk row cover for Fall

Sat Jul 26, 2014 5:45 pm

No, row cover isn't like plastic. It's very light open weave fabric and breathable and things should not heat up under it. You don't open it. If it is stapled down thoroughly (earth staples) it keeps pests out and it does give some protection against light frosts.

Re: Let's talk row cover for Fall

Sat Jul 26, 2014 8:08 pm

Well I'm a big tight wad and I buy shear curtains at yard sales and the thrift stores and use 2 T post with a twine run between them and use rocks to pin the sides down, Up here we need to keep things covered by mid Sept if you want to keep harvesting, as we have a very short growing season.

Re: Let's talk row cover for Fall

Sun Jul 27, 2014 1:20 am

I just buy the shears , I have been using this method for over 20 years and never had a problem, that I know of unless I'm damaging my soil? But I only extend my season by a few weeks at most as I will get killing frost in Oct for sure.

note that it comes in various weights (thicker for more frost protection, etc), sizes, etc.

As noted people do sometimes use plastic covers for mini-greenhouses for extending the season into colder weather, but they do need to be ventilated to avoid frying your plants, so aren't great for pest control.